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Australiaʼs Seasonal Worker Program: Working Out Ways to Manage Risk

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  • Richard Curtain

Abstract

Australiaʼs structured migration pathway for seasonal workers from the Pacific and Timor‐Leste has evolved in many ways since starting as a pilot in mid 2008. These programme changes have not only included different names and managing agencies but also a stricter governance regime for managing risk. The paper explains how the operating context for the programme has shaped the governance changes. This environment has included media and union pressures to address incidents of alleged worker mistreatment. Also important was the rapid growth in worker numbers from Pacific countries during Covid. However, since then the number of seasonal workers working in agriculture has shrunk considerably. This has been due in part to the return of working holiday makers in large numbers. Also important is the decreased employer demand for seasonal workers engaged under stricter risk management requirements set recently by governments.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Curtain, 2025. "Australiaʼs Seasonal Worker Program: Working Out Ways to Manage Risk," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(3), September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:asiaps:v:12:y:2025:i:3:n:e70033
    DOI: 10.1002/app5.70033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew Amengual & Sarosh Kuruvilla, 2020. "Editorial Essay: Introduction to a Special Issue on Improving Private Regulation of Labor in Global Supply Chains: Theory and Evidence," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 73(4), pages 809-816, August.
    2. Jodi L. Short & Michael W. Toffel & Andrea R. Hugill, 2020. "Improving Working Conditions in Global Supply Chains: The Role of Institutional Environments and Monitoring Program Design," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 73(4), pages 873-912, August.
    3. Michael Rose, 2022. "Global labour, local frameworks: Timor‐Leste and Australiaʼs Seasonal Worker Programme," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 9(2), pages 165-177, May.
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